In a landmark move for the Indian automotive sector, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has appointed its first-ever Indian national as the company's top executive. Tarun Garg officially assumed the roles of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the South Korean auto giant's Indian operations.
A Historic Appointment After 29 Years
This appointment ends a nearly three-decade tradition of expatriate leadership. In a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the company highlighted that this is the first time in its 29-year history in India that an Indian professional will steer the country's operations. The move is seen as a strategic step to lead the automaker's ambitious second phase of growth in one of the world's most competitive car markets.
The announcement was formally made by the company on New Year's Day. The decision was previewed earlier in October 2025 by Jose Munoz, the Global President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, through a social media post. Munoz praised Garg, stating he had the privilege of working closely with him and described him as a "transformative leader who brings progressive vision and deep understanding of the Indian market."
Who is Tarun Garg? An Industry Veteran Takes the Wheel
Tarun Garg is a seasoned veteran with deep roots in the Indian automobile industry, boasting nearly three decades of experience. The 54-year-old executive began his career in 1994 as a Deputy Manager of Logistics at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
His career trajectory at Maruti Suzuki was marked by steady growth:
- He rose to become the National Sales Head in July 2010.
- He later served as the Executive Director of Marketing.
- He concluded his 26-year tenure at the company in December 2019.
Garg then joined Hyundai Motor India in December 2019 as the Director of Sales, Marketing, and Service. After five years in this pivotal role, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in January 2023. He was serving as the COO immediately before his historic elevation to the MD and CEO position.
On the academic front, Garg is a mechanical engineering graduate (B.Tech) and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, which he completed in 1994.
Hyundai's Roadmap: A ₹45,000 Crore Charge into the Future
With Garg at the helm, Hyundai Motor India has unveiled aggressive plans for the future. The BSE filing outlined a massive investment of ₹45,000 crore earmarked for the Indian market by 2030. This capital will be channeled to accelerate the company's initiatives in key future-focused areas.
The strategic focus will be on:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Hybrid technologies
- Connected mobility solutions
In his first official statement as CEO, Tarun Garg outlined his vision: "My vision is to build on our strong foundation while accelerating HMIL’s transformation towards sustainable growth, technological leadership and unmatched customer delight."
Beyond product development, the company also plans to strengthen its core operational networks. This includes bolstering its dealer and supplier partnerships and deepening brand trust among customers to ensure a seamless ownership experience. This holistic approach underscores Hyundai's commitment to consolidating and expanding its formidable presence in India under its new Indian leadership.
